Vocabulary/ Expressions

Recycle (v) – using materials like aluminum cans, glass bottles, plastic containers, etc. and form
it into something new that can be used

Use up (phrasal verb) – to consume completely

Emit (v) – produce something, especially gas, radiation, or harmful fumes

Renewable (n) – energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power
energy

Pollution (n) – damage caused to water, air, etc. by harmful substances or waste

Awareness (n) – knowledge or perception of a situation or fact

Conservation (n) – the protection of plants, animals, natural areas, etc., especially from the damaging
effects of human activity

Toxic waste (n) – unwanted chemicals that are the result of manufacturing or industry and that are
poisonous to living

Earth Day (n) – celebrated every year on April 22, on which day events worldwide are held to
demonstrate support for environmental protection

Be in deep (idiom) – to be in serious trouble

water

PART 1 QUESTIONS

Here are possible questions that might come up during the test. Go over them with your tutor.
Topic

 Are there any pollution problems in your hometown?

 Do you take any steps to help the environment?
 Do you think it’s important to recycle materials like metal and plastic?

PART 2&3 QUESTIONS

Here are possible questions that might come up during the test. Go over them with your tutor.
Sample A
Part 2 Questions

 Describe an environmental problem in your country. You should say:

o what it is
o how long it has existed
o how it has affected people’s lives
o and explain what we can do to solve the problem.
Part 3 Questions

 What should governments do to protect the environment?

 What should people do to protect the environment?
Sample B
Part 2 Questions

 Describe an environmental problem that has been in the news recently. You should say:
o what was the problem
o when it happened
o who was involved
o and how you felt about it.
Part 3 Questions

 Do you think it’s important to use renewable energy?

 What are some examples how humans damage nature?
Sample C
Part 2 Questions

 Talk about a way a noisy environment you experienced. You should say:
o where it was
o what type of noise it was
o what you were doing at the time
o and explain if it affected you negatively or not.
Part 3 Questions

 Are people concerned about environmental problems in your country?

 What are some ways water pollution can be reduced?

SAMPLE ANSWERS

Here are some sample answers. Go over them with your tutor.
Part 1 Questions

 question Are there any problems with pollution in your hometown?

o answer I’m from a small town, so we don’t have many problems with pollution. However, I have to say there are a
lot of people who like to throw their trash on the side of the roads, especially in the rural areas.
 question Do you take any steps to help the environment?
o answer When I was an immature young adult, I didn’t care as much about the environment. Now that I’m a
mature older adult it’s different. One way I help is to reuse rain to water my lawn, garden, and houseplants.
Another way is to advocate for protecting nature on Earth Day annually.
 question Do you think it’s important to recycle materials like metal and plastic?
o answer By all means, because it’s important to protect the environment. I just wish more governments and
countries would implement recycling programs to include awareness of the need to recycle.

PART 2&3 ANSWERS

Here are some sample answers. Go over them with your tutor.
Sample A
Part 2 Questions

 Describe an environmental problem in your country. You should say:

o what it is
o how long it has existed
o how it has affected people’s lives
o and explain what we can do to solve the problem.

One of the biggest problems in the USA is air pollution, largely in big cities. Since I’m from a small town, I don’t see
this problem, but when I go to a city like New York City I’m shocked with the heavy smog that fills the air. One time
I couldn’t see the top of the skyscrapers because the it was so bad. Just as a note, I know this problem doesn’t
exist only in the USA. I’ve seen pictures of other cities such as Beijing China, Santiago Chile, and Bangkok
Thailand. It appears the problem is worse in these cities.
I’m not sure how long the USA has had this problem, but I’m sure it has existed for a long time. I would guess the
problem started during the industrial revolution and when gas powered cars started becoming popular. Ever since,
I would think, it has gotten worse and worse.
 Unfortunately, when there’s prolonged heavy air pollution, it causes several problems like permanent health
effects, acid rain that contaminates the earth’s water, and damage to plants and animals.
Now, I want to talk a little about the health problems that air pollution causes. We as humans breath in this polluted
air, which can cause respiratory problems. Just think about the effects of cigarette smoke on the lungs. Well,
breathing in contaminated air has a similar effect. One more deadly medical condition iis cancer. It’s documented
that breathing in smog can cause lung cancer.
So, people ask what can be done about air pollution. The simple answer is to reduce it. However, the more difficult
part is actually doing it. A couple of ways would be to replace gas powered car engines with environmentally
friendly electric ones, umm, reduce toxic emissions from industrial plants, better education, and promote public
awareness.
I hope someday the air quality improves throughout the world or we are in deep water in the future.

Part 3 Questions

 What should governments do to protect the environment?

o In my opinion, I think governments all over the world should thoroughly review their environmental laws and
change them to be more strict, especially with industrial companies who are known violators of toxic waste in our
water, air, and land. Umm, also, they should provide a better way to educate their citizens about conservation
because we need to protect our natural areas better. If we are not careful the world will be in deep water when
too much of our land is destroyed.
 What should people do to protect the environment?
o Everybody has the responsibility to safeguard our precious natural resources. It doesn’t solely fall on the
government. Take renewable energy for example. Using these reusable substances such as rain, wind, and
sunlight can help the environment. More people should invest into these power producing options, although
currently these machines are too expensive. So, I can understand why people don’t buy them. If the companies
who make them lowered the prices, it would encourage people to purchase them.
Sample B
Part 2 Questions

 Describe an environmental problem that has been in the news recently. You should say:
o what was the problem
o when it happened
o who was involved
o and how you felt about it.

To be honest, I don’t follow the international or local news so this question is difficult to answer. Having said that,
I’m going to talk about an environmental disaster that happened several years ago. I think I will always remember
this event, which was the Exxon Valdez oil spill off the coast of Alaska. This man-made catastrophe was in the
news for several weeks and the cleanup lasted for, I think, a few years.
The news coverage showed the devastation to the natural habitat along the entire western coast of Alaska. Since
millions of gallons of oil was spilled in the Pacific Ocean, I’m sure the terrible effects of the toxic water was not just
in the vicinity of the spill. The photos and videos of the damage that occurred were impressionable and bleak. I
had a hard time understanding how such an evident could occur.
An oil tanker ran aground and If I recall correctly, it was due to faulty radar equipment and human error by the
ship’s crew. I believe the captain of the ship was, umm, blamed for the devastating environmental disaster even
though he was sleeping at the time.
The aftermath was a terrible sight for the eyes. Wildlife like birds, otters, fish, and other sea creatures were
covered in oil and some barely alive. Other photos showed the natural land like plants and earth covered in the
thick gooey oil. I was filled with disgust and wanted to help, but I couldn’t. I have to give credit to all the cleanup
volunteers and to the people and businesses who donated money.
I know accidents happen, but this accident was avoidable. I think I read later that some of the crew and the
company were held accountable for their actions or lack thereof. I’m not sure what the penalties were, but I don’t
think they were severe enough for what happened and the degree of negligence on the part of the company and
ship crew.
What is a couple million dollars in fines to a huge company like Exxon Mobil? …Nothing!
 Part 3 Questions

 Do you think it’s important to use renewable energy?

o It is of the utmost importance. If we don’t start using more of this type of energy the fossil fuels will be used up
and the world will be in an energy crisis. Also, if we keep using these natural resources, we will continue to
destroy our cherished land. It’s important for companies to continue their innovation and research to develop and
make better and less costly devices to use our precious renewable substances. In the long run the world will be a
better place for all.
 What are some examples how humans damage nature?
o The one I can think of right off the bat is littering. It drives me nuts when I see all the trash alongside the roads.
Well, It’s not just in my country, but in every country I’ve visited. It’s depressing at times. I don’t understand why
people aren’t more conscientious of their actions. Another example is cars. Too many people want to drive to and
from work or their personal activities, which escalates the current air pollution problem with the fumes that emit
from the exhaust. More people should carpool or take public transportation.
Sample C
Part 2 Questions

 Talk about a way a noisy environment you experienced. You should say:
o where it was
o what type of noise it was
o what you were doing at the time
o and explain if it affected you negatively or not.

Noisy conditions are the reason why I don’t like living in big cities or crowded neighborhoods.
Back in 2010, I was living in a residential area in Santiago Chile and my home was in a gated community where
the townhouses are connected. My place was an end unit so there was only one other home connected to mine
and 2 others unconnected, one to the back and the other to the right. Out of all the neighbors, the one to the back
was the loudest. They were obnoxiously loud, especially at night on the weekends between 12 – 4 am.
So just imagine 10-15 young immature adults who are drinking beer, playing loud music, and trying to talk over the
loud music. It was unbearable! To make it worse, my bedroom was in the back and I slept with the windows open
because I didn’t have air conditioning and it was extremely hot during the nights in the summer. Even sleeping in
my front room was disruptive to my sleep. Needless to say, I was not a happy camper.
I tried to ask them to keep the noise down to no avail. My next step was to call the police, but one of my other
neighbors said they did that and the police did nothing. I guess I was expected to put up with it regardless of not
being able to sleep. Thankfully, they didn’t party loudly every weekend.
Until this day, that particular neighbor still ranks as the worst and rudest one I had in my life, hands down. The
complete and utter disrespect for others was unbelieveable. The only thing they cared about was themselves and
having fun.
I can only imagine what the noise pollution is like living in a crowded city day everyday and night. No thank you,
not for me! I’ll take any humble abode in the countryside over a city home in a noisy environment.

Part 3 Questions

 Are people concerned about environmental problems in your country?

o According to a report I heard on the nightly news about 50% of the general population in the USA does care. I
only wish the other 50% did. It would make my country a cleaner and safer place to live. Umm, I kinda feel sorry
for our future generations because they will inherit the environmental problems we created. I just hope it’s not too
late. We need to educate, not just our children, but the adults also.
 What are some ways water pollution can be reduced?
o Well, we can start with stricter laws against the violators such as oil companies and manufacturing plants who
dump toxic wastes into the world’s water sources. It seems like every other week I hear a news report about an
environmental accident involving a chemical company or an industrial plant. Another example, would involve the
general public cleaning up after themselves, especially when they are at the beach. Every time I go to the beach
I see trash like plastic bags floating in the ocean.
 It’s impossible to predict what questions you will be asked in the IELTS Speaking Exam; however, you can reliably
guess what topics will appear. There are only a certain number of topics that show up commonly – like education,
society, sports, family, etc – and so you need to prepare your answers by topic rather than specific question.
Today, I’m going to give you some example questions about the environment, arranged by parts of the test, along
with sample answers.

PART ONE
 Do you or your family take steps to help the environment?
To be honest, we don’t really do as much as we should. We try to recycle when we can, but we can be forgetful
about it.
 Do you take an interest in nature?
Yes, I’m very interested in nature. I love wild animals and taking walks in the forests and mountains near my
home.
 Are there any environmental problems in your country?
I think every country has some environmental problems, and mine is no exception. There is air pollution in the
cities and around the coast the water has a lot of waste material in it.

PART TWO
Describe an environmental problem that has been in the news. You should say
 when this was
 where the event happened
 what actually took place
and say how you felt about this problem.
Well, these days everyone is talking about global warming. In the United States, there is a big controversy
because the new president says that he doesn’t believe in it, even though the scientists have more or less all
come to a consensus that it is a real and dangerous phenomenon. The story has been going on for years, of
course, so it is never out of the news, but with Donald Trump in the White House people are talking about it even
more. Global warming is taking place all over our world, with various causes and effects. No one place is
responsible, and we are all in danger. However, it is people on small islands or in low-lying coastal areas who are
most at risk. If we can’t take action now to stop the situation being exacerbated, then the future looks very bleak.
This whole situation makes me feel quite depressed, and honestly I don’t see how we will be able to remedy it with
world leaders in denial.

PART THREE
 What do you think is the main danger the world faces in terms of the environment?
The main danger right now is probably climate change. It seems inevitable that we will see our sea levels rising
and deserts expanding. Humans will clash more frequently over resources, and our standard of living will stagnate
and then drop.
 What examples are there of how we damage the natural world?
It is clear to see that we are damaging the natural world. Recently I went to the sea and saw coral reefs dying.
Humans are consuming too much sea food and not allowing the oceans to recover. What’s even worse is that we
are polluting the seas, too. The numbers of whales and sharks are depleting, along with countless other species.
 In which ways do we respond well to environmental problems?
Many years ago, people were talking about the ozone layer. There was a hole in it that was expanding in the
1990s and everyone was really worried about it. However, after many laws were passed to prohibited the use of
certain chemicals, the damage has begun to be repaired. This gives us a clear message – we must continue to
take care of our environment before it is too late.